TITLE 22.EXAMINING BOARDS

Part 8. TEXAS APPRAISER LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION BOARD

Chapter 153. RULES RELATING TO PROVISIONS OF THE TEXAS APPRAISER LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION ACT

22 TAC §153.15

The Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board adopts an amendment to §153.15, without changes to the proposed text as published in the September 30, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 6170) and will not be republished.

One comment was received from Foundation of Appraiser Coalition (FACT) pointing out that the wording on the proposed rule may be in conflict with the §153.15(d); however, they do not oppose the adopted rule.

The adopted amendment to §153.15, changes the time frame in which a state licensed appraiser can complete the 2,000 hours of appraisal experience for licensing as set forth in the Appraiser Qualifications Board Criteria to be no less than 12 months.

The amendment is adopted under the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Act, Subchapter D, Board Powers and Duties (Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1103), which provides the board with authority to adopt rules under §1103.151, Rules Relating to Certification and Licenses.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 17, 2006.

TRD-200600880

Wayne Thorburn

Commissioner

Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board

Effective date: March 9, 2006

Proposal publication date: September 30, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 465-3959


Part 21. TEXAS STATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF PSYCHOLOGISTS

Chapter 463. APPLICATIONS AND EXAMINATIONS

22 TAC §463.15

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists adopts amendments to §463.15, Oral Examination, with changes to the proposed text as published in the December 16, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 8387).

The amendments are being adopted to adhere to the changes made by the 79th Texas Legislature to the section of the Psychologists' Licensing Act regarding the oral examination.

The adopted amendments will clearly define the standards used by the board to determine whether a person has demonstrated sufficient entry-level knowledge of the practice of psychology.

No comments were received regarding the adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted under Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle I, Chapter 501, which provides the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists with the authority to make all rules, not inconsistent with the Constitution and Laws of this State, which are reasonably necessary for the proper performance of its duties and regulations of proceedings before it.

§463.15.Oral Examination.

(a) Application Requirements. An application for the Oral Exam includes an application form, current passport picture of the applicant and required fee.

(b) Eligibility. To be eligible for licensure as a psychologist, all provisionally licensed psychologists shall be required to take and pass the oral exam administered by the Board. Only provisionally licensed psychologists may apply to take the oral exam. The Board shall waive this requirement for Specialists of the American Board of Professional Psychology, Health Service Providers listed in the National Register and for individuals who qualify for licensure under reciprocity.

(c) A candidate for the oral examination must demonstrate sufficient entry-level knowledge of the practice of psychology to pass the exam based on the following standards:

(1) A candidate must have a total score of 64 or above from each of the two examiners to pass the exam.

(2) Scores are based on the demonstrated abilities of the candidate in nine content areas with a possible score in each content score of 9 points for a well articulated verbal answer, 8 points for a good or passing answer, 3 points for a weak, vague or incomplete answer, and minus 10 points for an answer that is substantially incomplete or incorrect.

(3) The nine content area are as follows:

(A) Identifies the problems (e.g. initial hypotheses, differential diagnoses, etc.);

(B) Identifies a specific and plausible strategy for gathering further data to refine the problem definition (e.g. psychometrics, observation data collection, etc.);

(C) Develops a realistic intervention or action plan on the basis of the initial formulation;

(D) Recognizes and can formulate an effective response to crises;

(E) Attends to cultural and diversity issues;

(F) Demonstrates awareness of professional limitations;

(G) Can recognize and apply laws which are relevant to the case;

(H) Can recognize and apply professional standards that are relevant; and

(I) Can recognize and apply ethical standards or ethical reasoning pertinent to the case.

(4) Each candidate is presented with a vignette, which is representative of a situation commonly encountered in the area of testing. Candidates are required to articulate a case formulation according to a standard or model that is generally recognized in their area of testing. Candidates are required to respond to questions associated with each vignette.

(5) Areas of psychology in which a candidate may choose to be tested are: clinical, counseling, school, neuropsychological, and industrial and organizational.

(d) In advance additional information is provided to each candidate in the form of a brochure.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 24, 2006.

TRD-200600994

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Effective date: March 16, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 16, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7700


22 TAC §463.27

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists adopts amendments to §463.27, Temporary License for Person Licensed in Other States, with changes to the proposed text as published in the December 16, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 8388).

The amendments are being adopted to adhere to the changes made by the 79th Texas Legislature to the section of the Psychologists' Licensing Act regarding licensure as a psychologist.

The adopted amendments will set requirements for an individual licensed in another state to obtain a limited temporary license in Texas.

No comments were received regarding the adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted under Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle I, Chapter 501, which provides the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists with the authority to make all rules, not inconsistent with the Constitution and Laws of this State, which are reasonably necessary for the proper performance of its duties and regulations of proceedings before it.

§463.27.Temporary License for Persons Licensed in Other States.

(a) Temporary licensure is available to applicants for a period of not longer than 30 days from the time the application is approved until the expiration of the 30 days, provided the following conditions are met by the applicant.

(1) Submission of a completed application for temporary licensure, including a brief description of the type of psychological service to be provided which is acceptable to the Board and the requested time period for the temporary license;

(2) Submission of the required fee;

(3) Submission of proof that the applicant holds current licensure to practice as a licensed psychologist or a licensed psychological associate in another state with licensing requirements substantially equivalent to the Board's;

(4) Submission of documentation directly from the state in which the applicant is currently licensed indicating that the applicant is in good standing; and

(5) The applicant provides documentation that the applicant has passed the EPPP at the Texas cut-off for the type of temporary license sought.

(b) Licensed psychologists and licensed psychological associates with temporary licenses must practice in adherence to the Board rule 465.2(h), Supervision, and may consult with the supervising Texas licensed psychologist.

(c) The specific period of time for which the applicant is issued a temporary license is stated in the Board's approval letter which issues the temporary license.

(d) Substantial equivalency of the other state may be documented by the applicant providing a copy of the other board's rules and regulations with pertinent sections highlighted which indicate training and exam requirements for a particular type of license. This material is then reviewed for substantial equivalency by the Board.

(e) This type of temporary license is not available to an applicant who has made application for permanent licensure in this state. Upon receipt of an application for a permanent license, the temporary license is immediately null and void and the individual can no longer practice legally in Texas.

(f) The holder of a temporary license will not be further notified as to the ending date of the temporary license, other than the ending date that is provided in the initial issuance letter. Practicing with an expired temporary license qualifies the licensee for disciplinary review by the Board.

(g) Purposes for which a temporary license may be issued include: to serve as an expert witness in court, to assist a patient in transition to mental health practitioner in Texas, and others as approved by the Board.

(h) Applicants for temporary licenses who hold current status as CPQ, National Health Service Provider, or ABPP may have documentation from the credentialing entity sent directly to the Board as compliance with and in lieu of subsections (a)(3) and (5).

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 24, 2006.

TRD-200600995

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Effective date: March 16, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 16, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7700


Chapter 473. FEES

22 TAC §473.5

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists adopts amendments to §473.5, Miscellaneous Fees, without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 16, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 8389).

The amendments are being adopted to charge an application fee for the new temporary license.

The adopted amendments will allow the agency to recover the costs incurred in issuing a limited temporary license.

No comments were received regarding the adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted under Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle I, Chapter 501, which provides the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists with the authority to make all rules, not inconsistent with the Constitution and Laws of this State, which are reasonably necessary for the proper performance of its duties and regulations of proceedings before it.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 24, 2006.

TRD-200600996

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Effective date: March 16, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 16, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7700


Part 24. TEXAS BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICAL EXAMINERS

Chapter 571. LICENSING

Subchapter A. EXAMINATION

22 TAC §571.18

The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners adopts amendments to §571.18 concerning Provisional Licensure without change to the proposed text as published in the Texas Register on November 4, 2005 (30 TexReg 7166). The amended section reflects the action of the 79th Texas Legislature in deleting the statutory requirement that the holder of a provisional license be sponsored and directly supervised by a Texas veterinarian. Other minor amendments are adopted to assure full compliance with the Legislative directives.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted under the authority of §801.151(a) of the Texas Occupations Code which gives the Board authority to adopt rule necessary to administer the Veterinary Licensing Act.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 27, 2006.

TRD-200601040

Julie A. Barker

Executive Assistant

Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

Effective date: March 19, 2006

Proposal publication date: November 4, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7555


Chapter 573. RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Subchapter G. OTHER PROVISIONS

22 TAC §573.64

The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners adopts amendments to §573.64 concerning Continuing Education Requirements without changes to the proposed text published in the November 4, 2005 Texas Register (30 TexReg 7167). The 79th Legislature amended the Veterinary Licensing Act to require stricter standards for verifying continuing education (CE), and authorized the Board to require veterinarians who do not obtain the required number of CE hours to make up those hours in later years. The amendments incorporate those legislative changes into this section by requiring proof of CE hours claimed, and provide for make-up hours. The section is also amended to increase the maximum number of on-line, participatory CE hours that can be claimed from seven to 10 to reflect the number and quality of on-line programs available to veterinarians. The amendments require, however, that at least seven live, on-site hours be obtained each year.

A comment on the proposed rule was received from Harold Emerson, D.V.M., who suggested that 12, instead of 10, of the required CE hours be allowed for on-line study. He noted the large number of excellent on-line CE programs offered by the Veterinary Information Network (VIN), and felt that he learned more from on-line sessions than from live sessions. The Board notes that the hours that can be claimed for on-line CE are being increased from seven to 10. Future increases are possible. However, the Board feels that the benefits of live CE sessions with face-to-face interactions are valuable in the CE process and believes that the proposed allocation of on-line and live CE hours strikes a reasonable balance.

The adopted changes will strengthen verification of CE acquired by veterinarians and encourage them, through the mechanism of making up missed hours, to obtain the required number of hours each year in a timely manner.

The amendments are adopted under the authority of §801.151(a) of the Texas Occupations Code which give the Board authority to adopt rules necessary to administer the Veterinary Licensing Act.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 27, 2006.

TRD-200601039

Julie A. Barker

Executive Assistant

Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

Effective date: March 19, 2006

Proposal publication date: November 4, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7555


22 TAC §573.66

The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners adopts amendments to §573.66 concerning Monitoring Licensees' Compliance with Article 8890 with minor typographical changes to the proposed text as published in the Texas Register on November 4, 2005 (30 TexReg 7169). The amendments set out changes to the Board's compliance inspection procedures. Until recently, the Board conducted primarily on-site inspections of veterinarians to determine compliance with the Veterinary Licensing Act and Board rules. Because of budgetary cuts that have reduced travel expenditures, the Board is now also conducting inspections by mail, whereby licensees are required to provide copies of medical records, proof of continuing education, and other documents. The amendments clearly inform licensees of the items that must be produced by the inspections and specify sanctions which will apply if noted deficiencies are not addressed. By addressing specific items for inspection, the amendments will encourage better compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted under the authority of §801.151(a) of the Texas Occupations Code which gives the Board authority to adopt rules necessary to administer the Veterinary Licensing Act.

§573.66.Monitoring Licensee Compliance.

(a) The Board shall conduct a compliance monitoring program to ensure that licensees comply with the requirements of Chapter 801, Texas Occupations Code (the Veterinary Licensing Act) and the Board's rules.

(b) The Board's compliance monitoring program shall include on-site inspections of veterinary practices and inspections by mail.

(1) On-site inspections shall include, but are not limited, to the following items:

(A) display of license and current renewal certificate;

(B) properly posted consumer information;

(C) documentation of continuing education hours;

(D) sanitation;

(E) patient record keeping;

(F) controlled substance record keeping; and

(G) possession of appropriate controlled substance registrations and certificates.

(2) Inspections by mail shall request a veterinarian to provide the following non-exclusive items:

(A) proof of continuing education hours;

(B) copies of controlled substance registrations and certificates;

(C) copies of four medical records concerning the diagnosis and treatment of a patient;

(D) copy of the last page of the veterinarian's controlled substance log book for each controlled substance possessed by the veterinarian; and

(E) a notarized statement verifying that the licensee is in compliance with Board rules concerning consumer information, maintenance of sanitary premises, display of license and degrees, and notification of licensee addresses.

(c) After an on-site inspection, licensees will normally be given 45 days to correct deficiencies and provide written documentation of the corrections. Licensees will normally be given 30 days to respond to an inspection by mail. If no timely response is received within that time period, the inspection process will become an investigation and the Board will follow the formal investigative procedure.

(d) After an initial inspection, if the licensee makes required corrections to noted deficiencies, investigators may recommend to the director of enforcement to close a compliance inspection deficiency to "no violation" within the spirit and intent of the program, except when a deficiency involves flagrant disregard of the law, including illegal practices; improper use of prescription drugs; failure to account for drugs dispensed or administered; failure to comply with controlled substance registration requirements, continuing education requirements, and sanitation; and drug diversion and/or abuse. Where such violations are noted, the compliance inspection shall be terminated and the investigator will open an investigation and the violations will be referred to the director of enforcement for review as a complaint.

(e) When in a subsequent inspection a licensee is found to have failed to correct those deficiencies noted in the prior inspection, the investigator will advise the director of enforcement and the licensee that the licensee has continued to violate the Veterinary Licensing Act and/or Board rules.

(f) The Board may, on an unannounced basis, inspect licensees who have been ordered to perform certain acts as a result of a previous inspection to verify that the licensees performed the required acts. If the licensee is found to have refused or failed to comply with the Board order, the investigator will prepare a report documenting the failure to comply and the report will be submitted to the Board for appropriate disciplinary action.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 27, 2006.

TRD-200601038

Julie A. Barker

Executive Assistant

Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

Effective date: March 19, 2006

Proposal publication date: November 4, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7555


22 TAC §573.76

The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners adopts new §573.76 concerning Sterilization of Animals from Releasing Agencies without changes to the proposed text as published in the Texas Register on November 4, 2005 (30 TexReg 7170). The new section reflects amendments to the Health & Safety Code passed by the 79th Legislature, which required that sterilized animals released for adoption from animal pounds and shelters be identified by a method authorized by the Board. The new section requires that a sterilized animal be identified by a microchip or tattoo. Requirements for microchips and tattoos are set out in the section. Adoption of this section fulfills the statutory mandate and will assist greatly in identifying for veterinarians and the public animals that have been sterilized.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the new section.

The section is adopted under the authority of §801.151(a) of the Texas Occupations Code which gives the Board authority to adopt rules necessary to administer the Veterinary Licensing Act and protect the public.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 27, 2006.

TRD-200601037

Julie A. Barker

Executive Assistant

Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

Effective date: March 19, 2006

Proposal publication date: November 4, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7555